Stirling Bid gets ready for creative Street Stories Launch
A clean up team has been busy preparing Stirling’s empty shop windows ready for the launch of the city’s ambitious Street Stories project.
Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 5 April 2021 11:29
They have been working on behalf of Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID) which is set to transform eight stores into vibrant works of art.
Street Stories will see animated artworks featured on vacant shop windows, such as the city’s former BHS and Argos stores, when the initiative is launched next week.
Local artists, including Jacqueline Marr, Michael Corr and David Galletly, are taking part in the ground-breaking project which will revamp the city as it prepares to welcome shoppers back following Covid restrictions.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We had a team from SG Pro Cleaning out last week cleaning windows, power washing and generally sprucing up the shopfronts of the stores being used for Street Stories to make sure they look their best.
“Quite a few of the shops we are using have been empty for a while now with BHS – a really important site in the city - closing almost five years ago.
“It’s great to see them cleaned up for Street Stories and hopefully in the coming months and years we will see them back in use as new shops.
“We’re almost ready to install the eight fantastic artworks in the windows and I’m looking forward to seeing them in place and finding out what the people of Stirling think of them.”
One of the artists involved in Street Stories is abstract and fluid artist Roisin Mackenzie whose talent for painting flourished during the first lockdown.
The 39-year-old mum of two began painting as a hobby last April and now runs a successful business, Little Rose Arts, creating colourful fluid paintings.
Roisin was born and raised in Raploch, where her family still live, and much of her work is inspired by water particularly the River Forth.
She was one of many artists who submitted works to be considered for Street Stories following an appeal to Stirling’s creative community last year.
Artists were invited to submit art celebrating Stirling, its people and heritage which could be brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) - multi-sensory animation triggered by a free downloadable smartphone app.
Roisin was delighted to be selected by the judging panel and is keen to see her paintings, which feature the River Forth, take pride of place at the former BHS store in Port Street.
Roisin said: “I’m so happy to be involved in Street Stories and being such a new artist really didn’t expect to be chosen so this is a great achievement for me and I’m so excited to see all the artworks come together.
“When I first read about the project and decided to enter my art, I thought it was a great idea that would make Stirling look much prettier and be good for getting more footfall through the city.
“I knew straightaway that I would love to take part.
“I grew up beside the River Forth and it symbolises Stirling for me which is why I wanted to use it for Street Stories with the idea of the Forth weaving its way through Stirling.”
The artworks cover a range of different mediums, including mosaic, digital, mural, graphic design, dance and abstract art.
Ms McRorie-Smith said: “We’ve got a real range of stories to tell covering archaeology, mental health, pioneers and history plus a number of different mediums so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“We were delighted with the calibre and range of the submissions we received for the project which gave us an eclectic mix of different options to choose from.
“This is an exciting venture which will transform and enhance the city centre while giving local artists the opportunity to see their work come to life through
“It will also help us highlight the commercial spaces which are available, give both residents and visitors an insight into Stirling’s heritage and introduce an interactive trail to encourage footfall across the city centre.”
Joe Nixon, Creative Director at Arch Creative who are working with the BID on the project, said: “Over the past few months, we've been working closely with our eight selected artists to understand their artwork in order to develop the animations.
“These will further enhance the unit artwork installations by giving viewers an immersive augmented reality experience whilst highlighting some of Stirling’s incredible history.
“We can’t wait to showcase some of Stirling’s amazing talent in this innovative way and create these new points of interest across the city. After months of preparation, we're excited to unveil Street Stories Stirling and celebrate the city’s re-opening.”
In addition to Roisin, the Street Stories artists are: Stirling illustrator David Galletly; Dunblane mosaic artist Rachel Davies; Forth Valley College student Louisa Carberry; professional figurative artist Jacqueline Marr; dance choreographer Malcolm Sutherland; Alloa-based mural artist Michael Corr and contemporary artist Jacqueline Scorgie who practises under the name Jacque.
The empty shops involved in the initiative are based in Port Street, Upper Craigs, the Thistles and Murray Place and include the former premises of Laura Ashley, The Works, Trophy Centre and Designer Distinction.
Stirling’s BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
For more details visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
Image: Artist Roisin Mackenzie
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Stirling Visitor Levy Scheme approved
Stirling Council has approved a visitor levy scheme that will enable major new investment in the area’s tourism offering.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling announce Longlist for 2026 Stirling Business Awards
The Go Forth team has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards as voting begins to choose the winners of the annual honours.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Young Stirlingshire golfers follow in footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes
Two young golfers from Stirlingshire are aiming to make history in Portugal in December when they tee off in the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Bridge of Allan restaurant launches festive feast Take Home Christmas Box
The Meadowpark, one of Bridge of Allan’s most popular family restaurants, is bringing the magic of festive dining to homes around Stirling this Christmas.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
BID Launches Drop In Business Hour Session for Stirling Business Community
Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses invited to Forthside project drop in event
A drop-in session is being held on Friday (21 November) for local residents and businesses to learn more about the major redevelopment at Forthside.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter
Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition
Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links